rotary controllers are sensitive to how fast you turn
them (like the scroll wheel on an Apple iPod), and at
first, I thought they changed parameters too slowly
when turned at “normal” speed. Then, I found out
there are three velocity curves for them, with the
fastest being best for sweeps during live performance,
and the slowest offering precision for sound design.
MIDI CONTROL
The Axiom comes with 20 pre-defined presets for
controlling a variety of plug-in software synths,
including a selection of presets optimized for two of
the most popular software composition programs:
Ableton Live (Live Lite comes bundled with the
Axiom) and Propellerhead Reason. See “Gory Details”
on page 70 for the full roundup.
The two Live templates use MIDI controller assign-
ments that are undefined in the universal MIDI control
spec. This is a smart design move, as it reduces the risk
of altering an existing MIDI controller by accident.
Think of it this way: If you have Live alongside another
software synth in your system — or a setup with multi-
ple controllers — the Axiom won’t get in the way. Nice
bit of forethought there.
M-Audio has set up further presets for General MIDI
use, and a few general-purpose options for soft synths
with MIDI learn functions. While it would have been
nice to see more than 20 presets, especially if they’d
included a few for other mainstream audio-sequencer
apps, M-Audio made a good choice by focusing on
Reason and Live, as these are two of the most popular
products for modern laptop-based performers.
AUDITION
68
keyboard
07-2006
VITAL STATS
KEYBOARD
25, 49, or 61 keys, transmits velocity and aftertouch.
PROGRAMMABLE ZONES
3 (Axiom 25), 4 (Axiom 49, 61).
ASSIGNABLE CONTROLLERS
Pitchbend, mod wheel, 8 endless rotary knobs, 8
pressure-sensitive drum pads, 6 transport buttons.
MIDI CONNECTORS
In, out.
USB CONNECTION
USB 1.1, bus power supported.
NUMBER OF PRESET CONFIGURATIONS
20.
INCLUDED SOFTWARE
Ableton Live Lite 4, Enigma
(downloadable from M-Audio site).
CONTROLLER INPUTS
Sustain pedal, expression pedal
(neither is included).
POWER
USB, AC adapter (not included).
DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT
18.8"W x 11.2" D x 2.6" H; 5 lbs.
GIMME SOME ACTION
M-Audio has used a new
semi-weighted action in
all sizes of the Axiom
line. Pianists will
appreciate both the size
of the keys and the
piano-like lip on the front
of them. If you happen to
be familiar with the 76-
key version of the
Kurzweil K2500 or
K2600 synth workstation,
the feel is quite similar.
This really is a new
standard for super-
compact controllers, and
offers a “best of both
worlds” scenario: The
action is chunky and
sturdy enough for a
player with a pianstic
approach, but unlike a
fully-weighted action,
perfect for blistering
synth leads, too.
Francis Preve is an Austin, Texas, based keyboardist and producer. Recent
projects include his Top 20 remix of Gabriel & Dresden’s “Tracking Treasure
Down” and producing “Solution,” a track from Jacinta’s latest album. Get the
facts at www.fap7.com.
M-AUDIO AXIOM 25
MIDI CONTROLLER
KEYBOARD
